Well well well, looks like DEI isn't important at all... Imagine my shock hearing that Microsoft has reportedly dismantled an entire team dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This move has cast a shadow on the future of such programs within the tech giant.
According to a report by Ashley Stewart of Business Insider, a now-former team leader criticized the company for "a lack of investment in these efforts," suggesting a significant shift in Microsoft's internal priorities.
The communication from the manager, disclosed in part to Business Insider, stated:
"True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020"
Meaning a reevaluation of their utility (or, lack thereof) in today’s corporate environment is desperately needed. The decision to eliminate the team was attributed to "changing business needs," effective from July 1, ironically, the day after Pride month ended, leaving the future of Microsoft’s DEI initiatives in serious question.
As Niche gamer covered in March, this move is in stark contrast to what Microsoft initially stated they were setting out to accomplish. Back then, Microsoft was urging developers not to create female characters with “exaggerated body proportions” on their official site to support game devs.
This whole push has come to an abrupt halt - and I can't help but think we have made a difference in how these billion-dollar companies run their ideologies.
Despite the reduction in dedicated DEI staffing, Microsoft spokesman Jeff Jones assured that the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion remains:
"Our D&I commitments remain unchanged"
He emphasized a continued focus on accountability and prioritizing diversity efforts. He continued:
"Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work."
Press X to doubt. This sounds like some serious corporate double-talk mixed with a hint of ignorance.
There has been some pushback on if this 'firing' of the entire DEI team at Microsoft is legitimate, or if the people have just been shuffled to an external DEI or 'Bridge' team. Kirsche gives her standpoint below on that angle:
Amidst their 'inclusion' efforts, the company also faces scrutiny over various social and ideological stances, including the employment of individuals who openly discuss racial and gender issues in gaming, as well as public endorsements of LGBTQIA+ communities through platforms like the Halo X account (above).
A questionable individual is Nick, a producer of Halo, in particular, has had some takes that have made the gaming community question his passion in creating games in the first place.
In addition to that, Microsoft's historical "cautiousness" regarding cultural sensitivity in games like Halo, as noted by Halo composer Marty O’Donnell, showcases a long-standing awareness of the impact of narrative and character portrayal.
I covered this previously (above) on how O'Donnell recalled concerns about potential backlash from the Muslim community during the development of Halo 2, reflecting Microsoft’s broader efforts to balance creative expression with cultural sensitivity.
As Microsoft navigates these complex waters of corporate responsibility, diversity, and public perception, the tech community and consumers alike will undoubtedly watch closely to see how these changes unfold and what they signify about the evolving role of DEI in the business landscape... But with Microsoft knocking this team out from underneath their business, we have to wonder if this is the first domino to fall in the industry, when it comes to the unraveling of DEI.
...Or at least, we can hope.
~Smash
It's good to see that Microsoft is doing the smart thing and firing all the DEI activist Snowflakes that infected that company because these Brainless morons do Absolutely nothing except going around brainwashing peoples and turning them into atomitons that will blindly follow these Unhinged Retards